The State Government released its ‘Biotech Policy 2018’ that showcased the immense potentials and opportunities in the biotechnology sector to attract domestic and international investors at the Make in Odisha Conclave here.

“Development in the biotechnology sector will be based on three key pillars - innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. We will provide our full support for the development of this sector by forming public-private partnerships, bio incubation centres and biotech finishing schools. We will collaborate with various international organizations to provide cutting-edge technology in the biotech sector," said Science and Technology Minister Badri Narayan Patra at the ongoing Make in Odisha Conclave.

As per the policy, all biotechnology units shall be allotted land at a concessional rate as per the Industrial Policy Resolution of the state government. Besides, an additional subsidy of 25 per cent shall be available to reputed anchor tenants.

In the policy, we have provided attractive incentives for stakeholders to invest in Odisha. By collaborative efforts between Government of Odisha and private stakeholders, we aim to make Odisha a top biotech investment destination in the country,” said Badri Narayan Patra. 

In his speech, Chief Secretary AP Padhi also assured that the State Government would provide an essential platform to stakeholders who want to invest in the biotechnology sector in Odisha. He said a centre of excellence would be set to support the biotechnology sector in the State.

Padmabhushan Prof G Padmanabhan, Senior Science and Innovation Advisor of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), suggested six significant steps to make Odisha a biotechnology hub.

He suggested for the adoption of needleless delivery of vaccine, concentrate on the development of Nanobodies, biomass conversion, eliminating malaria through biological route, gene editing and synthetic biology.

Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Bharat Biotech, said that Odisha's Biotech Policy Is best in the country. He expressed his intention reaching Rs 500 crore investment by the Bharat Biotech.

There was an interesting panel discussion on the topic 'Odisha in the biotech/medtech realm', which saw participation from various eminent speakers like ILS Director Dr. Ajaya Parida and PATH Impact Lab Director Dr. SP Dash, among others.